Your rights

If you are a business operator who provides regulated child-related services and require or hold a blue card or exemption card, you have certain rights under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000, which are outlined below.

A fair and just process

There is a commitment to ensuring the fairness of the blue card application process and to ensuring that ‘natural justice’ is followed. This means if the information which is received raises concern about an applicant's background or criminal history it will:

provide the applicant with all information that is being considered

allow the applicant to have their say

consider all information provided by the applicant to support their blue card application make sure the applicant understands the process and how the information will be assessed, and

in most cases, give the applicant an opportunity to have the decision reviewed if they disagree with the decision.

Having your say

If there is police or disciplinary information about an applicant or card holder that is considered relevant to the individual's eligibility to work with children, the applicant or card holder will be invited to make a submission (PDF, 397KB) in support of their application.

Withdrawing your application

Applicants may request that their application be withdrawn during the processing stage.

Requesting the cancellation of your blue card or exemption card

You have the right to request the cancellation of your blue card or exemption card by completing the appropriate form (PDF, 126KB). In cancelling your card you must:

return your positive notice or card immediately, and

cease working in regulated child-related employment.

Using your blue card for more than one organisation or role

Business operators are able to use their blue cards or exemption cards for other regulated child-related work that they may undertake, such as additional volunteer work.

You must advise Blue Card Services of any additional regulated child-related employment that you undertake by submitting the appropriate form (PDF, 127KB).

Last Updated:
30 June, 2014

Important things to remember

If you are an employer of individuals who require a blue card or exemption card to work in your business, you have certain rights under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000. Find out more about the rights of employers.